Scotch Valley dam
Scotch Valley
Scotch Valley in Blair, Pennsylvania, is a private dam regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Completed in 1998, this earth dam stands at 17 feet tall and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. With a storage capacity of 47 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 3.5 acres, Scotch Valley plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction and water resource management in the region.
Located in Frankstown Township along the TR New Creek, Scotch Valley is a significant structure with a hazard potential that is closely monitored through regular inspections. The dam has undergone modifications in 2006 to enhance its hydraulic capabilities, ensuring its effectiveness in mitigating potential risks. In case of emergencies, the dam's emergency action plan is yet to be prepared, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management and preparedness in safeguarding the surrounding community and environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the vital role of structures like Scotch Valley in water management and conservation is essential. By recognizing the significance of dams like Scotch Valley in balancing irrigation needs, flood protection, and environmental sustainability, we can appreciate the intricate interplay between water resources, infrastructure, and climate resilience in ensuring a secure and sustainable future for all.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Scotch Valley -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Frankstown Br Juniata River At Williamsburg | 248 cfs | → |
| Little Juniata River At Spruce Creek | 185 cfs | → |
| Bald Eagle Creek At Tyrone | 25 cfs | → |
| Juniata River At Huntingdon | 657 cfs | → |
| Rays Br Juniata R Bl Rays Dam Nr Huntingdon | 1,430 cfs | → |
| Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton | 425 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Scotch Valley.
Boat launches
- Spillway Court Frankstown Township
- Beaver Dam Road Frankstown Township
- Aitch
- Tatman Run Boat Launch
- Warrior Ridge Dam / Hydro-Electric
- Smithfield Riverside Park
Campgrounds
- Canoe Creek State Park
- Seven Points
- Susquehannock - Raystown Lake
- Trough Creek State Park
- Camp Blue Diamond
- Prince Gallitzin State Park
More reservoirs
Track Scotch Valley in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Scotch Valley
Where does the data for Scotch Valley come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Scotch Valley.